[tomcam]

I think your assessments are pretty spot on.

I've visited many other countries but I should have added that most of my adult time has spent in high-end neighborhoods on the West Coast. Except for Poland and France I've never spent more than a couple of weeks in a country outside the USA. I grew up not rich in Southern California and people were polite there too. In my old age I am beginning to suspect that people are just nice to me for some reason, or that I don't perceive rudeness as well as I should.

On an individual level Chinese, Poles, rural Americans, and Russians are sort of like New Yorkers: once they know you're not going to kill them they're ridiculously warm and welcoming. Also New Yorkers: I have more than once been asked if I needed directions when I stood on a street corner consulting my nav. In 40 years of visiting New York City I just have never found people rude, whether it's bus drivers or wait staff or people in the finance district. Which means my impression of things may be suspect.